‘Skirmishes’ took place in Floriana on Tuesday, the first in a series of military re-enactments marking the 220th anniversary of the French invasion of Malta.

Held in different localities in the north of the island, the events are organised by Reġjun Tramuntana, embracing local councils from the northwestern region, in collaboration with the Historical Re-enactment Group Malta. The ultimate objective of the three-day festival, involving 550 participants, is to recreate the major events that led to the start of the French occupation in 1798, which brought to an end the rule of the Knights of St John who had arrived in 1530.

Led by General Napoleon Bonaparte, the French fleet, carrying an expeditionary force of over 30,000 men, reached Malta on June 9, 1798, on its way to Egypt. Having been denied permission by Grand Master Ferdinand Von Hompesch to dock its entire fleet at once to get supplies from Valletta, Napoleon launched an attack and the island capitulated within days.

During their brief occupation, the French established a constitutional tradition, granted free education to all and abolished slavery. However, systematic looting and pillaging of churches and Knights’ palaces quickly fuelled an air of discontents among the Maltese.

The French established a constitutional tradition

The French rule ended on September 5, 1800, following an uprising also supported by the British Navy who took over and the British remained here until 1964 when Malta gained its independence.

The morning re-enactment at Porte des Bombes yesterday was followed with parades at Mosta, Għargħur and Naxxar On June 9, 1798. The festival continues today with a re-enactment at Mistra Bay at 4.30pm and an activity at Mellieħa Square starting at 8.30pm.

The climax will be reached on Friday with the ‘signing’ of the armistice at Pjazza San Publiju, Mdina, at 8.30pm. Military re-enactments will take place at Chadwick Lakes at 4.30pm and Mtarfa at 6.30pm.

An activity at Saqqajja hill on Friday night concludes the festival.